COC Netherlands is marking 80 years this year. This is a special moment for the LGBTQ+ community in the Netherlands. COC Netherlands is one of the world's oldest LGBTQ+ organisations.

The organisation was founded in 1946. That was just after the Second World War. Life as a gay or lesbian person was very difficult then. People faced discrimination and persecution.

COC Netherlands has achieved much in 80 years. The organisation fought for equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Thanks to this work, people in the Netherlands can now marry someone of the same sex. This right has existed since 2001.

The organisation still helps many people today. COC supports young people with questions about their sexual identity. It also helps people experiencing discrimination. Additionally, the organisation provides education in schools and workplaces.

COC's work is far from finished. LGBTQ+ people in the Netherlands still face bullying and attacks sometimes. The situation is much worse in many other countries. In some countries, homosexuality is even illegal.

COC Netherlands is celebrating the milestone with various activities. Meetings, debates and celebrations are planned across the country. The organisation looks back on 80 years of struggle and progress. But it also looks forward to the future.

The COC Netherlands chair stressed the importance of this milestone. According to him, 80 years of COC shows how far the LGBTQ+ community has come. But he warned that equal rights are never guaranteed. You must keep fighting for them.

Support for COC Netherlands is therefore more important than ever. The organisation asks people to join or donate. This way, the work for equality and acceptance can continue. For everyone, whoever you are and whoever you love.